Barcelona vs Inter: Champions League Semi-Final Preview

Barcelona arrive at this stage with momentum on their side. Under Hansi Flick's guidance, the Catalan giants have reignited their reputation in Europe, scoring 37 goals across their campaign — the highest tally in the tournament so far. After finishing second in the league phase behind Liverpool, Barcelona cruised past Benfica and then Borussia Dortmund to reach their first semi-final since 2019. Their 4-0 dismantling of Dortmund at home, followed by a 3-1 loss in Germany, was enough to seal progression, and they reinforced their credentials with a thrilling 3-2 Copa del Rey final victory over Real Madrid at the weekend.

Barcelona's home form has been imperious, winning five and drawing one of their six Champions League matches at Montjuic this season, while scoring at least three times in five of those fixtures. However, they face a cautious reminder from the past: Inter were the side that ended Barcelona’s 2010 dream under José Mourinho, and the Nerazzurri memorably went on to lift the trophy.

Inter, meanwhile, have built their campaign on defensive steel. Simone Inzaghi’s men have conceded just five goals across their Champions League run, keeping eight clean sheets — a figure only one shy of the all-time Italian record held jointly by Juventus and AC Milan. After matching Barcelona with 19 points in the league phase, Inter eliminated Feyenoord and Bayern Munich in hard-fought knockout rounds, edging past the German champions thanks to a gritty second-leg draw at San Siro.

However, domestic form for Inter has faltered at a crucial time. Defeats to Bologna, AC Milan, and Roma have seen them fall three points behind Napoli in the Serie A title race, and they have failed to score in three consecutive games. The Nerazzurri’s last win in Spain also dates back more than two decades, with their most recent visits resulting in three draws and seven losses.

Historically, Barcelona hold the upper hand, winning eight of the previous 16 European meetings between the two sides (D5, L3), including a 2-1 aggregate success at home despite their semi-final elimination in 2010. Their last group stage encounters during the 2022–23 campaign saw Barcelona fail to win, drawing one and losing the other.

In terms of team news, Barcelona remain without Robert Lewandowski due to a hamstring injury, while Alejandro Balde faces a late fitness test. Should he be unavailable, Gerard Martin is likely to continue at left-back. Marc-Andre ter Stegen has returned to full fitness and should feature between the posts, while teenage talents Lamine Yamal and Raphinha — who have combined for five goals and 16 chances created in this Champions League season — will be key attacking outlets.

Inter also have their share of injury concerns. Benjamin Pavard picked up an ankle injury over the weekend and is a doubt for Wednesday, although Denzel Dumfries and Piotr Zielinski are available after recovering from recent knocks. Lautaro Martinez, who has scored in each of his last five Champions League appearances, will spearhead the attack, while the availability of Marcus Thuram — recently sidelined with a thigh issue — remains uncertain.

With Barcelona’s vibrant attacking force facing off against Inter’s disciplined back line, Wednesday’s first leg promises an intense and finely balanced encounter as both sides bid to take a crucial step towards the final in London.